DATE OF INCIDENT: 11/2/2010
INCIDENT TYPE: Multiple Alarms
INCIDENT ADDRESS: 607 East Houston
CITY: Spokane
STATE: WA
ZIP: 99208
NARRATIVE: On Sunday, October 31, 2010 at 3:31PM, 8 Companies of Spokane Firefighters, 5 engines, 1 Pumper-Ladder, 1 Senior Ladder and 1 Heavy Rescue under the direction of Battalion Chiefs Green and Moline responded to a Greater Alarm Structure Fire at 607 East Houston in Spokane's North Side. Firefighters responding to a report of a fire in an apartment arrived within 4-minutes from the neghborhood fire station to find heavy fire showing from the second and third story of a 70' x 100' three story apartment building. Swiftly forcing entry into multiple apartments and assisting occupants to safety, Spokane Firefighters commenced a well-coordinated search of the apartments in close proximity to the working fire on the second and third floors. A second alarm was issued a 3:40PM and subsequent third alarm at 4:01PM that brought an additional three Engines, two Senior Ladders and off-duty command staff.
Finding heavy fire in two floors and the attic/roof, arriving firefighters commenced an aggressive fire attack to protect savable property by cutting multiple ventilation holes on the roof above the fire and a defensive truck company tactic called a "trench cut." The trench cut was made ahead of the fire's route of travel in an effort to prevent lateral spread throughout the remainder of the building. Firefighters from engine companies were working on the interior of the second and third floors making judicious use of firefighting hosestreams and completely pulling the ceilings directly below the trench and stretching additional lines to key locations below the trench. The well coordinated effort of firefighters confined flames to the building's south-most areas and common attic, extinguishing the blaze in just 2-hours. There were no injuries to firefighters and one civilian was transported for smoke inhalation.
PROBABLE CAUSE: The cause is under investigation by the Fire Department's Special Investigation Unit.
DAMAGE EXTENT: The south-most areas of the building are severely damaged. Other areas received varying levels of damage. In all, there are 29 apartment units and 54 individuals residing in the building. Six units were destroyed, eleven suffered major damage, four had minor damage and eight are undamaged. The building has no power and building is posted not to occupy. The Red Cross initially opened a shelter at the Spokane Friends Church (1612 W. Dalke) and are assisting the tenants with temporary housing and assistance.
DOLLAR LOSS:
FIREFIGHTER RESPONSE: 48
MUTUAL AID: Fire District 1, Fire District 9
For more information on this release, please call (509)625-7002 and/or check out the SFD Blog at www.spokanefire.blogspot.com
END OF RELEASE
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